"Well, I don't understand why you couldn't be at home for Christmas if you were at a game," Marsha chimed in. 

This woman was never gonna let her live down staying away for the holidays. Sure she had missed spending Christmas day with Jason, but she'd celebrated the holiday with her kids and her side of the family in Louisiana. Never mind she had saved a life. Regardless, Christmas didn't have to be limited to December 25th. It was a season... The Christmas Holiday... The Holiday Season... No, she wasn't home for Christmas, but she was home for New Year's. And, if they wanted to celebrate in her home, this woman was going to have to accept that just like she'd realized she'd married an imperfect man, she'd raised an imperfect son.

While uploading a new chapter of Second Time Around a few weeks ago, the characters swam around in my head with this very exchange. What is it about Christmas that makes everyone act like it's the happiest time of the year? For some, sure. For others, not as much. There are so many things that could go wrong at Christmas, many of us avoid it altogether. Then, there are those who act like this is the only time to be cordial, loving, or kind. Why can't we all just accept that some of us love the Grinch? Heck, some of us are the Grinch.

In life, there are moments we look forward to. As children, most of those moments revolve around getting something... a new toy for our birthday, $.50 to $5 for losing a tooth (yeah, I know some parents who go all out), and especially that box under the Christmas tree. Oh, what a joy it is to finally tear into that wrapping paper or pull open that gift bag! Then, the moment passes. It takes longer to wrap a present than it does to tear into it or pull it apart. And, for what?

Ah, yes! The memory! Precious moments we can hold onto forever become etched into our hearts and minds. Some of them good, some of them not, all of them real. As life happens, and as we grow, as adults we often wonder what happens to the one who isn't looking forward to a Merry Christmas? What happens to the one who has lost a loved one? Who has lost a relationship? Who is angry, or bitter, or resents the very fact that others are happy — even if only for a moment? What really does become of the brokenhearted? What do the lonely really do for Christmas?

I'd like to suggest you (and I) celebrate. Yes! Why not? The day before... the week after... Why not? It is only a season. Besides, Christmas is about more than getting or giving gifts. It's about more than going to a religious ceremony. It's about more than being surrounded by those you love or possibly even hate. It's about more than reflecting on stories or viewing lights. It's about more than simply acknowledging the neighbor's nativity scene. Sure, all of those things are important but the real meaning of Christmas is found within you. Christmas is an expression of love. And, you can't have love without Christ. You can have love without your ex, without your in- or outlaws, without your friends. You can even have Christmas without your kids. But, you cannot have Christmas without Christ. Go ahead, try to spell it. Mas. What's a mas? Well, I looked it up. In the Caribbean, it means a carnival. Go figure.

So, during this season, be it filled with joy or sadness... sickness or health... lack or wealth... just remember 'tis the season to be. Whoever you are. Whatever you feel. Wherever you live. Redefine what it means to celebrate you. In a relationship or out... With the loss of a loved one or friend... Starting a new job or losing an old one... make it work for you. 'Tis not the season to always be jolly. 'Tis not the season to kiss under holly. 'Tis not the season to always be bright. 'Tis not the season to always see the light. But...

It is the season to find a way. It is the season to celebrate. It is the season to be true. 'Tis the season just for you.

Tag me with some of your best and worst Christmas memories ever! Go ahead. Comment and encourage the next reader. You never know who may or may not be having such a Merry Christmas after all.